vibrant color paintings

Billowing clouds drift in a blue sky above the picturesque town of Antigua. Bonifacio Maxia Cutzal depicts the Calle de los Pasos and the 17th-century School of Christ Church. A total of twelve churches line the cobblestone lane in this charming colonial barrio, or neighborhood.

Titled "El Barrio de La Escuela de Cristo" in Spanish.

Working in oil on canvas, Bonifacio Maxia Cutzal celebrates the beauty of Lake Atitlan with its cold, deep waters. The Guatemalan artist paints the view from a cobblestone lane on the shore. In the distance, the San Pedro and Tolimán volcanoes stand tall above the blue lake.

Titled "Lago de Atitlán II" in Spanish.

This exceptional oil painting is a celebration of Guatemalan culture and traditions. A sitting woman, dressed in a traditional outfit with a long, deep blue skirt, represents the identity and heritage of her country. The vibrant colors and serene posture suggest a deep connection with nature and spirituality. Artist Carolina Cabrera works with Japanese paper on canvas as a background, expertly painting it with acrylics and oils until the desired texture is achieved. She completes this magnificent scene with exquisite accents such as petite glass beads, intricate cotton stitching and colorful pom poms.

Titled Descanso in Spanish.

This delightful artwork by Mexico’s Rommy depicts three sea turtles of different sizes gracefully swimming in the ocean bottom where beautiful corals stand out. Crafted in a Realist style with acrylics on manta cotton, a traditional Mexican gauze-like fabric, the painting’s predominant colors are blue, brown and pink. Accented with golden glitter, it is finished with a coat of varnish on both sides for protection and framed in a unique wooden embroidery hoop in vibrant cerise.

"I was inspired by the tables decorated by the grandmothers of my town. They always had fresh flowers in old vases - the flowers came from their garden, they didn't buy them. And watermelons are a type of fresh fruit that is perfect for hot days," explains Juan Henry Mendez. He paints with acrylics and oil, creating a classic still life with a vibrant palette of Guatemalan colors.

Titled "Flores y sandia" in Spanish.

About his original composition, Balinese artist Mahmud says "There is a couple of betta fish that look romantic in the middle of other betta fish. An aggressive betta fish can really show off its beauty when it is about to attract a female." At the center of this composition, two betta fish show off their vibrant colors, hoping to attract a mate. Mahmud paints this scene in a realist style, bathing the group of bettas in sunlight that diffuses into rays as it passes through the water.